NATICK – The School Committee has reaffirmed its policy to prohibit alcohol from being served at events held at schools and said it will not waive the policy.

The committee on Monday approved the recommendation of a subcommittee that examined the policy after groups sought to hold events geared to adults at the high school where alcohol would be served.

The School Committee waived its policy last year for the Relay for Life Fashion Show and Wall of Achievement events. But selectmen voted not to issue one-day beer and wine licenses for the events, with some members saying schools were not appropriate places to serve alcohol.

A School Committee subcommittee then evaluated the committee’s policy, recommending it remain the same and that the district say in rental documentation that the committee will not entertain requests to waive the policy.

School Committee Chairman Dirk Coburn said the committee when it considered waivers asked lots of questions and was careful to ensure safeguards were in place. But he said members realize the committee is not the only board that has a say on this topic.

"We just thought it was best not to hold out hope to renters that they might (be able to serve alcohol)," Coburn said.

Coburn said he thinks there might be a place for an event that responsibly serves alcohol, but that’s not central to the district’s mission.

"Obviously, nobody supports wild indiscriminate use of alcohol on school property," he said.

Paul Laurent and Amy Mistrot voted against the motion while Anne Blanchard was not at the meeting.

Mistrot said she respects selectmen’s view. However, she said the high school was built as a resource for the entire town to use and there could be some flexibility in the policy. She said holding events with alcohol at schools is an opportunity to demonstrate responsible alcohol use. Guidelines administration had in place were stringent and Aramark, the only catering company that could provide the service, has even more stringent rules, she said.

Selectmen Chairwoman Carol Gloff said she is glad the School Committee reviewed its policies and decided not to allow waivers.

"From my personal perspective I think that’s an appropriate way to go," she said.

Brian Benson can be reached at 508-626-3964 or bbenson@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @bbensonmwdn.